Cover photo credit: GQ
Author: Abby Graham
Once known for indie, desert dust, and an overwhelming number of flower crowns, Coachella has truly grown— and K-pop is leading the charge. What used to be a stomping ground for hipsters and rock bands has become a glittery, high-energy runway for fan lightsticks, and incredible stage sets. From BLACKPINK’s historic headline set to 2NE1’s surprise reunion, K-pop isn’t just crashing the Coachella party—it’s hosting it.
K-pop’s journey to Coachella’s sun-soaked stages began in 2016 with Epik High, the first Korean act to perform at the festival. Then came BLACKPINK in 2019, the first K-pop girl group to hit the Coachella stage with a headlining-level set that turned the desert into a sea of pink lights and screaming fans. Fast forward to 2024, and ATEEZ made history as the first K-pop boy group to perform at Coachella. Though they weren’t on the main stage, you wouldn’t know it from the sound. During their performance of “GUERILLA,” fans and members alike chanted “BREAK THE WALL” so loud, it echoed all the way to the main stage—proving that energy doesn’t need a headline slot to take over a festival.
Coachella 2025 was pretty much a K-pop mini festival wrapped inside the desert’s biggest music event. The festival took place from April 11-13 and April 18-20 in Indio, California. The lineup this year included some of the genre’s brightest stars—Lisa and Jennie from BLACKPINK taking on solo stages, ENHYPEN making their festival debut, and rising powerhouse girl group XG turning heads and winning hearts.
Lisa set the tone on both Fridays, strutting onto the Sahara stage in glittering Off-White and custom LED bodysuits that felt more sci-fi runway than music fest. Her performance of “Money” had the crowd in a trance, and by the time she closed out with her new single “Rockstar,” it was clear she wasn’t just performing—she was claiming her throne. Jennie kept the BLACKPINK momentum alive on Sundays, delivering a set that showcased her evolution as a solo artist. Her performances included tracks from her debut solo album Ruby, such as the empowering “Mantra,” which had previously topped charts in multiple countries.
But perhaps one of the biggest moments belonged to ENHYPEN, who performed on both Saturdays. Though this was their first time at Coachella, their presence was anything but rookie. With their polished vocals, intense choreography, and tracks from their new album ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream-—including the high-energy “No Doubt”— they pulled off a set that left even casual festivalgoers Googling their names before the encore hit. Their performance was lauded for its flawless choreography and dynamic stage presence.
XG, meanwhile, continued to prove they’re not just a girl group—they’re a genre-defying force. With tracks like “Shooting Star” and “Left Right,” they brought futuristic visuals and fierce energy that had first-timers asking, “Wait, who are they?” I also have to add that XG had to have my favorite set of the night. XG is one of those groups where they have such a powerful, diverse, and unique discography that really shone through on the Coachella stage. I could honestly write a whole separate article for how good their set was, but that is a blog for another day.
Photo Credit: Filmi Beat.
Social media was having a meltdown upon seeing some of the artists perform. One ENHYPEN fan tweeted: “that’s why i need engenes to be louder about enhypen’s achievements cause these people are getting too brave speaking on them.” Another fan posted a video of Heeseung with the caption: “heeseung when he saw me…. anyone else crying i’m crying.” The conversion rate from festivalgoer to K-pop stan was intertwining in a hilarious way.
Coachella 2025 wasn’t just a display of K-pop’s popularity, it was proof that these artists aren’t guests anymore. They’re part of the main event, and they’ve brought a global fanbase, cultural pride, and enough stage presence to light up the entire desert.
Abby Graham I KXSU Music & Arts Reporter